Alabama Hills Dispersed Camping — Free Designated Camping in California
About Alabama Hills Dispersed Camping
Alabama Hills Dispersed Camping is one of the most iconic camping destinations in California. Located near Lone Pine at the base of the Sierra Nevada, the area offers dramatic granite rock formations, wide-open desert scenery, and stunning views of Mount Whitney.
The area is popular with rooftop tent campers, photographers, overlanders, and road trippers looking for a memorable camping experience in the Eastern Sierra. Camping is allowed only in designated campsites, and visitors must obtain a free camping permit before staying overnight. For a complete itinerary, use the Alabama Hills 2-day camping route; when designated sites are occupied, compare the nearby paid alternative at Tuttle Creek Campground.
💡 Overlander tip: Sunrise near Mobius Arch offers some of the best views of Mount Whitney in California. Arrive before dawn for photography and fewer visitors.
What to Expect
The landscape
The landscape features rounded granite boulders, desert valleys, Joshua trees, and panoramic views of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Many designated campsites have open views toward Mount Whitney and the Eastern Sierra.
Campsite setup
Most designated campsites are relatively flat and suitable for rooftop tents, ground tents, vans, and small trailers. Some sites require high-clearance or 4WD access because roads can be rocky, sandy, or uneven. The official BLM map identifies sites by access category, so choose a marked 2WD or 4WD site that matches your vehicle and current road conditions.
Things to do nearby
- Hike the Mobius Arch Trail for sunrise views of Mount Whitney.
- Explore Movie Road and historic film locations throughout Alabama Hills, or follow the 2-day route for a structured itinerary.
- Visit Lone Pine for fuel, groceries, restaurants, and basic supplies, then compare more regional options in the Eastern Sierra BLM camping guide.
- Drive toward Mount Whitney Portal for alpine scenery and trail access.
Rules & Regulations
- Camping is allowed only in designated campsites.
- A free Alabama Hills designated camping permit is required for overnight stays. Complete it online before arrival or collect a physical permit from the Eastern Sierra Visitor Center or the information kiosks on Movie Road. The permit does not reserve a campsite.
- Dispersed camping within the BLM Bishop Field Office is limited to 14 days per calendar year. Track all nights, including split visits.
- Pack out all trash and camping waste — no trash cans on site.
- No potable water is available on site.
- A valid California Campfire Permit is required for campfires, charcoal or wood stoves outside developed campgrounds when those uses are allowed. The permit does not override seasonal BLM fire restrictions.
- WAG bags are required for human waste; catholes are not permitted.
- Pets should be controlled and waste must be packed out.
⚠️ Important: Summer temperatures can exceed 100°F / 38°C. Bring plenty of water and avoid camping during extreme heat events. Dirt roads may become difficult after heavy rain.
Seasonal Access
- Spring — March to May: Comfortable temperatures, good photography conditions, and possible wildflowers.
- Summer — June to August: Very hot and exposed. Not recommended during extreme heat.
- Fall — September to November: One of the best seasons for camping, with cooler temperatures and clear skies.
- Winter — December to February: Cool desert nights and possible snow views in the surrounding Sierra Nevada.
How to Get There
From Lone Pine: Take Whitney Portal Road west from US-395 and follow signs toward Movie Road. Most designated campsites are accessed by dirt roads branching from Movie Road.
Last gas station: Lone Pine, California (Shell / Chevron) — approximately 5 miles east on US-395.
Water planning: Bring your full drinking and cooking supply from Lone Pine. Do not rely on campground taps; Tuttle Creek Campground has seasonal potable water and is a separate paid developed campground.
Cell service: Coverage is variable and can weaken among rock formations and farther from Lone Pine. Download permits, maps and emergency information before entering the camping area.
Offline maps: Download Google Maps offline, Gaia GPS, or Maps.me before leaving town.
Campground Quick Facts
| Land Manager | BLM Bishop Field Office · (760) 872-5000 |
| Elevation | ~4,200 ft (1,280 m) Desert basin below the Sierra Nevada |
| Road Type | 2WD Accessible High Clearance Recommended |
| Permit | Free Permit Required — online, Eastern Sierra Visitor Center or Movie Road information kiosks |
| Cell Signal | Variable / Not Guaranteed |
| Best Season | Spring Fall Winter |
Planning information reviewed July 17, 2026 · Sources: BLM.gov · SierraForever.org · Always confirm conditions before your trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Continue Planning the Alabama Hills
Use this campsite guide as the site-level reference, then open the route, developed-campground alternative or regional guide that matches your next planning decision.